After a long night, the results are nearly complete, and Labour's victory becomes clear.

Tony Blair is prime minister, as John Major leaves office and the battle for the leadership of the Conservative party begins.

Thanks for joining us at BBC Parliament for today's replay of the 1997 general election coverage.

Low turnout this 1997 election - the lowest since 1935, David Dimbleby says.

Professor Anthony King says he's not sure why. But could be that the result looked so assured; or people out there unprepared to vote for New Labour.

"Turnout does not seem to have damaged either party," he says.

More speculation about the impending Tory leadership election.

The BBC's Nick Robinson outside CCHQ suggests that Ken Clarke, William Hague and Michael Heseltine are all contenders. Peter Lilley is mentioned as someone who could throw his hat in the ring.

The family - and then Mr Blair and his wife Cherie - pose on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street.

Tony Blair stands on the steps of Downing Street outside No 10.

He pays tribute to John Major for "his dignity and courage" and his decency.

He says the British people have placed trust in him: and that "We ran for office as New Labour we will govern as New Labour."

"This New Labour government will govern in the interests of all the people, the whole of this nation," he says.

He pledges an emphasis on education, the NHS, the economy and seeking "to restore trust in politics in this country".

There is a pledge for a "government of practical measures in pursuit of noble causes".

He finishes "enough of talking, it is time now to do".

The Blairs are at Buckingham Palace, for their audience with the Queen.

Following the result from Brecon, Peter Snow takes the viewers back through the history of Conservative seats in Wales.

The 1997 election result leaves the party with no MPs in Wales at all.

Image source, bbc

Former Labour PM Jim Callaghan recounts how solemn a moment it was when he assumed office.

And he calls Tony Blair a remarkable young man,saying he fought a bold campaign.

"I've got every confidence that in three months he'll find himself as though he'd been there for three years," he says.

Mr Callaghan was the last Labour prime minister - he served until 1979, when the Conservatives won the election.

He says: "This is like 1945 but in spades."

A newly-elected Conservative MP Damian Green and Stephen Norris, who was to stand as London mayoral candidate, both pay tribute to John Major and pass judgement on the Conservative party.

John Major appears outside Downing Street before going to see the Queen to offer his resignation as prime minister, and announces he's also resigning as party leader.

He goes over some of his economic achievements before saying: "When the curtain falls it's time to get off the stage."

He says he and Norma intend to "get to the Oval in time for lunch and see some cricket this afternoon".